Georgetown man charged with vehicular homicide in death of 2-year-old girl

Sunday

Aug 18, 2013 at 12:52 PM

A 24-year-old Georgetown man is facing vehicular homicide charges following an Aug. 17 crash in which a 2-year-old girl was killed.

Staff reports

A 24-year-old Georgetown man is facing vehicular homicide charges following an Aug. 17 crash in which a 2-year-old girl was killed.

According to the Delaware State Police, the crash occurred around 9:20 p.m. on John J. Williams Highway west of Mulberry Knoll in Lewes. Police said a 19-year-old Rehoboth Beach man was operating a 1999 Chevrolet Trailblazer eastbound on John J. Williams Highway when he stopped, preparing to make a left turn into a private driveway. Police said the Trailblazer had its left signal activated while waiting for westbound traffic to clear. Police said Henry Roblero-Mazariegos was operating a 2002 Mazda Protégé eastbound on John J. Williams Highway and failed to observe the Trailblazer, striking the vehicle in its rear. Police said 2-year-old Genesis Valazquez-Santizo of Georgetown was a rear seat passenger in the Protégé and was not properly secured within her child restraint seat, nor was the seat properly secured within the vehicle. Police said Valazquez-Santizo was ejected and propelled forward within the vehicle. Police said the girl was transported by ambulance to Beebe Medical Center where she was pronounced dead due to traumatic injuries.

Police said Roblero-Mazariegos was properly restrained and refused medical treatment. Police said the 19-year-old operator of the Trailblazer was properly restrained and was not injured. Two passengers in the Trailblazer – a 21-year-old male and a 17-year-old male, both of Lewes – were properly restrained and transported to Beebe Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Police said further investigation revealed that Roblero-Mazariegos was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was taken into custody and charged with second degree vehicular homicide, two counts of second degree vehicular assault, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while suspended or revoked, and child under eight and less than 65 pounds must by in child restraint. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $13,001 cash bond.